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Deeper Look Part One

1. International Star 
Fusaichi Pegasus- Parlez by French Deputy

Career Statistics:
Starts: 9
Firsts: 5
Seconds: 2
Thirds: 0
Earnings: $1,010,979

Connections: 
Jockey: Miguel Mena
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Ramsey, Kenneth L. and Sarah K. 

Derby Points: 171  

Last Race: Louisiana Derby 
Last Race Finish: 1st 



Class: Major questions about his ability as it doesn't look like he beat much in any of his races so far this year. He will have to make a major leap forward in the Derby to even have a chance to hit the board. He is one of the few stone cold closers this year, but being a closer is not usually a good thing in the Derby unless there is a major pace meltdown. He is a very brave individual though and doesn't seem to be afraid to go through the tiniest of holes which can only help him come Derby day. He also has an issue with his leads which he will need to get figured out before Derby day.

Pedigree: He is by a Kentucky Derby winner in Fusaichi Pegasus which gives him a little dose of stamina. His bottom side is strictly speed laden as his broodmare sire French Deputy tends to only produce horses that want to go six furlongs and shorter. Major questions about how far he really wants to go. He also has a dosage index of four with doesn't really bode well for his chances at a mile and a quarter. 

Overall Opinion: International Star is a nice closer, but may be best suited to a mile and an eighth and shorter. 

Final Decision: International Star is a Pretender 




2. Dortmund 
Big Brown- Our Josephina by Tale Of The Cat 

Career Statistics:
Starts: 6
Firsts: 6
Seconds: 0
Thirds: 0
Earnings: $1,289,400 

Connections: 
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Kaleem Shah, Inc.  

Last Race: Santa Anita Derby 
Last Race Finish: 1st 




Class: No question this is one classy individual, and could very well be the best horse in this crop. In order for him to win the Derby he is going to need an absolutely trouble free trip as he is a huge horse with a huge stride. He can't get out of rhythm because he will lose to much ground for him to make up in time. I also worry about his ability to get a mile and a quarter. I must repeat he needs a trouble free trip to win and if he gets just an ounce of trouble he will have no shot. 

Pedigree: His sire Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 2008 which gives him a shot of stamina. His sire also has an average offspring winning distance of seven furlongs which also shows that Big Brown can produce horses that want to go long. His broodmare sire Tale Of The Cat has and average offspring winning distance of six and a half furlongs which gives Dortmund a dose of Speed in his pedigree. His dam was out of a mare by Danzig which gives him some stamina, and helps his chances to get a mile and a quarter. 

Overall Opinion: Dortmund is a class individual he just can't get into any trouble on Derby day otherwise he will have no chance. 

Final Decision: Dortmund is a contender.  




3. Carpe Diem 
Giants Causeway- Rebridled Dreams by Unbridled's Song 

Career Statistics:
Starts: 5
Firsts: 4
Seconds: 1
Thirds: 0
Earnings: $1,519,800

Connections: 
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: WinStar Farm LLC and Stonestreet Stables LLC  

Last Race: Bluegrass Stakes 
Last Race Finish: 1st 



Class: No question about his class or his potential to get a mile and a quarter. This is one smooth mover and looks like he wants to run all day. He has a very explosive turn of foot, and has shown he can beat you from anywhere on the racetrack. Only worry here is he tends to be a basket case before his races if he can hold himself together through the Derby craziness there's no telling what he can accomplish on Derby day. 

Pedigree: His sire Giants Causeway has shown that he can produce horses that want to run all day his offspring average winning distance is eight furlongs which bodes well for Carpe Diem. Carpe Diem's broodmare sire has an offspring average winning distance of 6.8 furlong which also bodes well for Carpe Diem. Carpe Diem also has a dosage index of one which is another indicator of how far a horse wants to go. Based on this pedigree he will run all day and night no problem. 

Overall Opinion: Carpe Diem is a well bred individual who looks like he wants to run all day. He is one of the few that I have no question will get a mile and a quarter. 

Final Decision: Carpe Diem is a contender. 




Tune in tomorrow as I review; American Pharoah, Frosted, and Mubtaahij! 


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